A Deserved Award To Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo

UEFA reports:

Cristiano Ronaldo's sparkling contribution to Manchester United FC's double conquest of English and European football has been recognised by his peers, with the winger being named FIFPro World Player of the Year for the 2007/08 season.

Honour
Ronaldo received his award in Manchester today after winning the vote carried out by the Fédération Internationale des Footballeurs Professionels (FIFPro). The Portuguese international's exploits – including scoring 31 goals in 34 Premier League games for the champions and helping United to the UEFA Champions League title – were overwhelmingly endorsed in a poll of some 57,500 FIFPro members around the world.

'Amazing'
The 23-year-old said: "To be recognised by my fellow professional players worldwide, coming from over 50,000 players, is amazing. I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches and everyone involved at Man United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support. Thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world." Ronaldo scored a total of 42 goals last term to succeed Kaká as the world's players' player of the year.

This isn't a surprise. He deserves it, much as it pains me to acknowledge that anything at Man U is good.